IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL POLICY (JHSP )

E-ISSN 2545-5729
P-ISSN 2695 2416
VOL. 10 NO. 3 2024
DOI: 10.56201/jhsp.v10.no3.2024.pg36.49

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The Role of Attachment Theory in Understanding and Treating Personality Disorders: A Clinical Psychology Perspective

Formella, Zbigniew Ugwuanyi, Benedict Chidi

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Abstract

Attachment theory has emerged as a foundational framework within clinical psychology, providing crucial insights into the development, maintenance, and treatment of personality disorders. According to this theoretical perspective, early interactions with caregivers play a pivotal role in shaping an individual's internal working models of relationships. These internalized representations influence how individuals perceive and engage with others, impacting their interpersonal behaviors and emotional regulation across the lifespan. In the context of personality disorders, insecure or disrupted attachment patterns are frequently implicated in the origin and persistence of maladaptive personality traits and behaviors. This paper critically explores the application of attachment theory in the clinical assessment and treatment of personality disorders, examining its impact on understanding, practice, and perceived barriers. Correlation analysis was conducted using a dataset comprising variables related to the effectiveness of attachment theory in clinical settings, including its influence on understanding and assessment, integration into practice, and barriers to implementation. The analysis revealed a moderate to strong positive correlation between the perceived effectiveness of attachment theory and its incorporation into clinical practices, suggesting that attachment theory enhances the understanding and treatment of personality disorders. Additionally, the study found that while there are perceived barriers to implementing attachment theory, these barriers do not significantly impede its application. These findings underscore the value of attachment theory in clinical practice and highlight the need for enhanced training, updated clinical guidelines, and strategies to address implementation challenges. The results suggest that greater emphasis on attachment theory could improve both the assessment and treatment of personality d

keywords:

Attachment Theory, Personality Disorders, Clinical Assessment, Treatment

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